Child doesn't like his teacher?

journaldelaware · #1 08-29-2008, 10:58 AM

Have any of your elementary or middle school kids ever not liked their teacher for one reason or another? If so, what was the reason? How did you handle talking with your child about it? Did it get to the point you had to have a meeting with the teacher? Did the situation get better over time?

I am a local journalist currently working on an article on how parents can help their elementary and middle school students work through classroom conflicts so it brings about positive results.

I'd like to hear how you handled a situation like this. Add your entry here and/or send me a pm and tell me about your family's experience. Thanks!

motherof3 · #2 08-29-2008, 12:20 PM

My oldest only just started middle school last week. We've been lucky so far that all my kids have had awesome teachers. I'd love to hear how other parents resolved this problem though, because I'm sure at some point we'll have this problem for one reason or another. Great thread idea!

wendy · #3 08-29-2008, 12:50 PM

My kids have always been very happy with their teachers. Only one year did my daughter have a teacher that I wasn't thrilled with, not that he was a bad teacher. My daughter got along great with him; I just had trouble warming up to him. He had a very aloof personality with parents. In the past, and since then, I had always had wonderful, open relationships with all of my children's teachers so it was just an adjustment for me, not for her.

__________________
W~

"The best way to make it through with hearts and wrists intact is to realize that two out of three ain't bad..." FOB

journaldelaware · #4 08-29-2008, 01:15 PM

Glad you both have had, for the most part, positive experiences. How about your friends? Have they all had good experiences with their kids' teachers?

This is a great topic to address because from time to time student/teacher personality clashes, misunderstandings in the classroom and other things do occur.

Anyone else have a comment?

wendy · #5 08-29-2008, 02:51 PM

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arudawakening · #6 08-29-2008, 04:04 PM

Last year my son, in 4th grade had a reading teacher he did not like. In fact he went as far as to say he "hated" her. I thought for sure it was just because she was hard on him to do his best (he can be easily distracted) and probably was actually a very good teacher, just he wasn't relating to her. I talked to him about it several times, and gathered she was in deed strict and he felt picked on by her.

The problem continued until about mid-year when I went in for a parent-teacher conference. The teacher was there, and after we spoke about his grades and pertinent stuff, I addressed the issue with her. I told her that Jesse had some issues with her and he really felt that she did not like him. I didn't tell her what he had said about loathing her ... but that he specifically stated that he honestly felt she did not like him.

She was of course surprised to hear this, and they called him into the meeting. The teacher asked him why he felt that she didn't like him, he stated a few instances where she had said things that upset him. She in turn apologized to him, and gave him a hug.

After the meeting he said "I guess she doesn't hate me after all mom, she called me honey, and did you see her hug me?"

From that time on there was no conflict.

So I think the best thing to do is confront the problem. In most cases teachers are available for anything. Find out from the child what the problem is and tactfully address it with the teacher, either by note or phone, or even in person.

All children are different, and some are bothered by the slightest little thing. A teacher has to be somewhat indifferent in the classroom environment and I think that can be a very tough job. I also feel that teachers are very understanding and in most cases willing to go the extra step to help the child in whatever way possible.

Hope that helps

journaldelaware · #7 08-29-2008, 04:36 PM

Thanks for sharing your input. Sounds like you handled it right. Anyone else ever face this problem?

Tracy · #8 08-29-2008, 06:32 PM

I find that most teachers are very nice and understanding...except that Wendy character!

wendy · #9 08-29-2008, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeCurlyGirl

I find that most teachers are very nice and understanding...except that Wendy character!

FUNNY DCG!!!

mastiffmom · #10 08-29-2008, 08:06 PM

For the most part my kids have liked their teachers. I, on the other hand, loathed one of their teachers. It's difficult to mask the loathing regarding this teacher but I have always told the kids that you may not like an adult or somthing they say but you should respect them as adults.

My child does not have that teacher anymore but I still think the teacher is a goober.

Child doesn't like his teacher?

Family & Schools